Offshore renewable energy auction

2025-04-21T18:49:00
Portugal

Tender procedure model established and deadlines set for submitting proposals for its operationalization and for preparing the tender documents

Offshore renewable energy auction
April 21, 2025

Order 4752/2025 of April 21 (the “Order”) has been published, establishing the tender procedure model for developing offshore wind energy production in Portugal, aligning with the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (“PNEC 2030”). The Order marks a significant step toward achieving the goal of 2 GW of offshore wind electricity by 2030.

Background

The Order follows the approval of the Allocation Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (“PAER”) by the Council of Ministers Resolution 19/2025 of February 7, 2025. This resolution identified areas in the national maritime space suitable for commercially exploiting ocean-based renewable energies.

For more details on PNEC 2030, PAER, and the Viana do Castelo Technological Free Zone (“TFZ”) requirements, refer to our previous legal flashes :

Centralized sequential model

 The Order opts for the centralized sequential model for the tender procedure. This model reflects the preference shown in the working group’s final report for planning and operationalizing power plants using ocean-based renewable energy.

Timeline and next steps

Until June 20, 2025

  • Entities involved must submit a detailed proposal for operationalizing the first tender procedure. Promotors may also participate in this phase.
  • The proposal must include the:
    • development phases of the tender procedure, with timelines and task descriptions;
    • identification of national maritime space lots for the first tender;
    • legal framework and review proposals, if necessary;
    • pre-qualification criteria for companies; and
    • any additional necessary tasks (e.g., socioeconomic studies, setting rates and tariffs, legal work, and consultancy).

Until October 18, 2025:

  • Prepare the tender documents based on the work carried out Ein the previous phase.

Entities involved

The following entities are responsible for operationalizing the tender procedure:

  • Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services;
  • Directorate-General for Energy and Geology; and
  • Mission Structure for Licensing Renewable Energy Projects 2030 (EMER 2030).

Involving other entities

The Order allows for the involvement of other public and private entities, scientific institutions, recognized experts, or other entities whose contributions are considered significant


For more information, contact our renewable energy team.

April 21, 2025